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By Akanimo Kufre
The African Football League, (AFL) has received a massive welcome, especially in Africa’s most populated nation, Nigeria where Enyimba FC will fly the country’s flag. Thousands of football fans in Aba, and beyond would have stretched the 16,000-capacity Enyimba Stadium facility on Sunday 22 September 2023, to watch Enyimba FC versus Wydad Casablanca in the AFL encounter.
However, the Confederation of African Football, CAF did not approve of the stadium rather, the ‘People’s Elephant’ fans will travel about 74 km to the Nest of Champions, (Godswill Akpabio Stadium), Uyo to watch their darling team and cheer them to victory.
One of Enyimba’s committed fans, Emmanuel Ogbue, a resident of Aba confirmed that he will not be deterred by the arduous task of navigating the deplorable road to Uyo. The journey may take over 1 hour 30 minutes and through unpaved roads.
“I’ve been supporting Enyimba for many years now, am I am not bothered about the distance, bad road, and the travel cost. It gives me joy to watch Enyimba play against the Morrocan team, Wydad AC. I wish Enyimba would have won 2-1 or 2-0. I will also be coming with my friends.”
About 25 years ago, it would have taken passionate Enyimba FC fans barely 45 minutes to drive to the Nest of Champions in Uyo, but the arduous task for most Abia State fans will be overcome with ardor.
Meanwhile, the Enyimba FC Media Officer, David Oriji has called on football lovers in Akwa Ibom to give Nigeria’s representative in Africa’s novel football tournament the needed backing.
“We are not just representing Aba, we are representing the Southeast and the entire country in this tournament. We need the support of all football fans and stakeholders in Nigeria to be in Uyo for our victory.”
Uyo fans are expected to troop out to see some known players like Daniel Daga, the Nigerian U20 teenage sensation who was playing for FC One Rocket in Uyo a few weeks ago. Other names to watch out for in Enyimba’s lineup include, Chidiebere Izuogou, another teenager marquee, Joseph Atule, and Imoh Obot. Also expected are Chijoke Mboama and Eze Ekwutoziam who scored against Benghazi in the CAF Champions League.
Fans are also notified that there is a gate ticket for the match. The regular seat is N1000 and the VIP N5000. The match kicks off at 7 pm Nigerian time on Sunday.
